Criticism of Thai government after flood disaster in Thailand
Criticism of Thai government
By Khan Peter
Now into the magnitude of the flood disaster Thailand becomes increasingly clear, criticism of Prime Minister Abhisit's government is also growing.
In addition to the lack of preventive measures to prevent flooding, the assistance appears to be downright poor. A lack of planning and organization shows that the Thai government is anything but prepared for such a disaster. The chaotic relief work is remarkable because Thailand regularly has to deal with severe floods.
Not learned from the past
In 2001, Typhoon Usagivan killed at least 176 people and left more than 450.000 Thais homeless after severe flooding in northern Thailand. After every disaster, the Thai government promises improvement and effective measures.
Danger of flooding is known to the Thai government
The low-lying province of Nakhon Ratchasima is vulnerable to flooding, a situation that has been known to Thai authorities for years. Phornphilai Lertwicha, an expert in this field, says in The Nation today: “Flooding on a plateau is a difficult occurrence by nature. This shows that the government has done nothing to prevent it”
“Drawing up scenarios, a disaster plan and water management at national level is more than necessary. But during this cabinet term, we have not witnessed any action by our government, despite the annual floods in Thailand. We do not learn from the lessons of the past. We just let it happen, over and over again,” said Phhornphilai Lertwicha, a researcher at the Thailand Research Fund (TRF).
Thai government: Flood prevention not a priority
Primary responsibility for water management and flood prevention was transferred by Prime Minister Abhisit to former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. After his resignation, this task was not taken over by Abhisit. He was too busy with other things, especially the upcoming election. “No one in the government has been serious about flood prevention in Thailand,” a source told The Nation.
Have you ever noticed that for the past 300 years the Thai government has not prioritized the prevention of disasters or other problems of the common people? As long as the happy few can tear around in their Hummers, they won't care what happens to the rest of Thailand. After all, everything outside of Bangkok is jungle, nice for a weekend away, but that's all folks.
No, they now come with a bag of sand against the water and a bag of rice to eat (costs nil), but wouldn't it be better to have some kind of Delta plan and to educate the population so that they no longer need a bag of rice?
Ok sorry has little to do with the topic…. or right?
Totally agree. But that goes against the principle: "You keep them stupid, and I'll keep them poor". A hundred years ago, a Dutch engineer put forward a plan for water management in Thailand. He's been shot. That's how it works…